While solar installations are quite easily adaptable, they remain susceptible to the environment you live in. Nowhere is this more accurate than in Australia. In particular, the NSW regional and coastal areas combined with Sydney’s environs, which have some of the harshest environments for solar systems globally. For example, while dubbed the most installed in 2015 and 2016, a popular solar panel brand had a major manufacturing fault that first presented itself in Sydney and along the coastline.
Therefore, as you plan to install solar panels in Australia, it is important to consider the environmental factors that will affect the installation process and the solar system’s operation. Aspects like higher humidity, strong winds, and higher salt content in the air (due to the population’s coastal proximity) render the Australian environment more stressful for solar panels than other locales worldwide.
The Australian environment is not hospitable to cheap solar system components. This reality makes your choice of installers crucial if you want to avoid disappointment. So, here are a few tips on ensuring you install the best solar system.
#1 – Only Quality Solar Systems Will Last In The Tough Australian Environment.
Given that Australia’s environment is significantly challenging, it is best to select only quality solar system components for your solar installation. In doing so, you ensure you benefit from your solar system’s longevity.
On the other hand, you must accompany the proper components with a high installation work standard to ensure there are no points of failure in the completed system. This consideration allows you to prevent any whole system collapses.
#2: Use A Qualified Installation Company.
A well-installed solar system adds value to your home. In this way, a solar panel roof is a long-term investment. Therefore, if the installer does not carry out the solar panel installation properly, you will likely experience significant monetary loss.
Therefore, your choice of solar installer is more weighted than your selection from the brands of solar panels for sale. For this reason, you must always endeavour to opt for a CEC-certified solar installer. The CEC (Clean Energy Council) certifies that all its accredited or certified Australian installers receive the appropriate training. In addition, CEC-certified installers must meet the published design and implementation standards.
#3: Choose The Right Installation Company To Ensure Reliable After Sales Support.
You may be wondering how to identify the right installation company. The first thing to stay alert for is the company’s after-sales support. More specifically, do they offer any support? And if so, to what extent? Additionally, it is crucial to find out the company’s support centre location- do they operate out of a company-owned property? Or is the business nothing more than a CBD address with overseas call centres? Taking time to find the answers to most of these questions will often alert you to red flags that may help you steer away from less scrupulous operators.
For example, it is best to avoid solar installers who insist that conducting a primary home inspection via email or over the phone before installation is sufficient. Most agents who do this use it as a cost-cutting measure that will only bring more problems in the end. This lack of initial contact or meeting also indicates a high likelihood that you will be unable to reach anyone for assistance when a problem arises after installation is complete. In this case, you may be dealing with a solar sales company whose focus is on selling rather than installing and servicing solar systems.
#4: Avoid Installers Using Unlicensed Subcontractors.
The Australian solar industry is experiencing exponential annual growth. However, this boom also brings numerous businesses and individuals willing to cut corners to sell you cheap solar power systems. In addition, some solar companies keep solar system costs down by using sub-contractors who employ unqualified staff to carry out the installations. Unfortunately, this system leads to subpar solar panel installations that cost more money to rectify.
Ensuring the solar installers you select only employ qualified and fully-licensed sub-contractors to avoid such adverse outcomes is imperative.
#5: Make Sure To Get A Good Monitoring System.
Keeping an eye on your solar system’s performance is vital for checking functionality and status awareness. Therefore, ensuring that your system’s inverter comes with a monitoring system is best.
A monitoring system also helps you make performance comparisons and track your usage and export levels. Additionally, it alerts you when there are problems with your system.
#6: Think Ahead For Smart Appliances, Batteries And EV Charging.
The idea of a ‘smart’ home today often calls to mind a host of internet-connected products and home systems. However, this term also applies to solar power. In many cases today, you can combine your solar panel system with smart devices to automate and streamline some functions. For example, you can use solar electricity to heat your water.
Additionally, you can tailor your solar system to meet other peripheral needs like EV charging. All it takes is the right combination of a system that can generate enough electricity to meet this need and the appropriate battery (like a Tesla Powerwall Home Battery System) to store the generated power for night-time use.
#7: Check To Ensure The Product Warranty Is Strong.
Solar panels are valuable assets, and you need adequate warranty coverage to safeguard them properly. These warranties are also an essential part of any solar installation.
Numerous warranty types cover solar panels. Moreover, every warranty is different, so you must recognise where they differ and discover which products have the most beneficial warranties. Doing so certifies you get the best possible deal for your solar panel system.
Choosing The Best Solar Installer
CEC accreditation is the most reliable foundation for building your search for the best solar installer. Selecting solar installers who hold CEC approval ensures that you work with a company that commits to using industry best practices. Therefore, you can use this qualification as a stepping-stone toward getting the best solar panels available and taking a step toward a cleaner, more pocket and environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
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